The Laya Gasa Hot Spring Trek is a beautiful Himalayan adventure that combines breathtaking mountain scenery, remote villages, cultural encounters, and natural wellness experiences. This trek takes you through the pristine landscapes of northern Bhutan, beginning from Gasa Hot Spring and leading towards the isolated village of Laya, one of the highest settlements in Bhutan. The trail passes through lush forests, alpine meadows, rivers, and traditional Himalayan settlements while offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. The trek provides an opportunity to experience the unique lifestyle of the Layap people, known for their distinctive culture, traditional attire, and centuries-old way of living. A major highlight of the journey is relaxing at the famous Gasa Hot Spring, located beside a mountain stream and believed to have therapeutic benefits. The combination of adventure, nature, culture, and relaxation makes the Laya Gasa Hot Spring Trek one of Bhutan’s most rewarding short Himalayan treks.
4,720 m
12 km
5 hours Average
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Visa processing takes approximately 30 minutes, and our team from Excursion to the Himalayas will be waiting outside with your name placard. A brief familiarisation session will be conducted by the guide before starting your Bhutan journey. If time permits, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built in the 17th century to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars. It was later inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Later, visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. The Dzong continues to serve as the administrative and monastic centre of Paro. Walk across the traditional cantilever bridge, Nemi Zam.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Begin your adventure with a hike on the newly opened Takin Trail, a perfect introduction to Bhutan’s natural beauty. In the afternoon, visit Simply Bhutan Museum to experience traditional Bhutanese music, dance, and culture with local performers. Later, visit Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s oldest fortresses. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive towards Punakha crossing the scenic Dochula Pass with views of the Himalayan mountain range. On arrival, take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the “Divine Madman.”Later, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Drive towards Gasa Hot Spring through beautiful mountain landscapes. The road conditions are rough in some sections, and travellers may experience muddy and uneven roads. Upon arrival, check into the campsite/lodge near the hot spring. Dinner and overnight stay.
Enjoy a relaxing day at the famous Gasa Hot Spring, located beside a beautiful mountain stream. The hot spring is believed to have healing properties and is popular among locals and travellers for relieving body aches and skin ailments. Enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings before starting the trek. Overnight at Gasa.
After an early breakfast, begin trekking from Gasa Hot Spring towards Kohina. The trail passes through beautiful forests and mountain landscapes. En route, visit Gasa Dzong, one of the most remote and scenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Overnight camping at Kohina.
Continue trekking towards the remote Himalayan village of Laya. The trail offers spectacular views of mountains, forests, and traditional settlements. Upon reaching Laya village, explore the surroundings and interact with the local communities. Overnight camping near Laya Village.
Spend the day exploring the unique village of Laya, one of the highest settlements in Bhutan near the Tibetan border. The village is home to around 800 indigenous Layap people, known for their unique culture, traditional dress, and lifestyle. The main sources of income are tourism, horse services, and cordyceps collection. Overnight camping at Laya.
After an early breakfast, begin the long descent from Laya towards Gasa Hot Spring. Lunch will be served at Kohina. The trail is long and requires an early start, passing through beautiful mountain scenery before reaching Gasa Hot Spring. Overnight at Gasa Hot Spring.
After breakfast, drive back to Thimphu from Gasa Hot Spring.Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel and relax after completing the trek.Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Taktsang Monastery Base Camp in Paro.
Begin the famous Tiger Nest hike through pine forests. The uphill walk takes around 3–4 hours. Our guide will assist you throughout the hike. Take a rest stop at Taktsang Café for tea and refreshments while enjoying spectacular views of the monastery. Overnight at the hotel.
The highest altitude reached during the Laya Gasa Hot Spring Trek is approximately 3,820 meters at Laya Village. The trek involves gradual ascents and descents, allowing trekkers to adjust to the increasing altitude comfortably.
The Laya Gasa Hot Spring Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It involves walking through mountain trails, forests, and uneven terrain with daily walking hours ranging from 5 to 9 hours. A good level of fitness and preparation is recommended.
The trekking portion takes around 4 days, covering the route from Gasa Hot Spring to Kohina, Kohina to Laya Village, exploration of Laya, and return to Gasa Hot Spring. Including sightseeing and transfers, the complete Bhutan experience usually takes around 10–12 days.
The total trekking distance is approximately 74 KM. The main trekking route covers:
The best seasons for the Laya Gasa Hot Spring Trek are March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn). These months offer clear mountain views, pleasant weather, and better trail conditions.
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